As far as comfort food goes, it's hard to beat Italian. But Italian food isn't all pizza and spaghetti. Yes, if you're feeling like spending some dough (no pun intended) you can make a reservation at one of the many swanky Italian bistros in Vancouver. If you're feeling more casual and more in need of some good, hearty, unpretentious eats (read: if you're hung over) then you can't go wrong with Sciue. Now, you have double the opportunity.

Downtown residents were thrilled when Sciue Italian Bakery Caffe opened at Howe & Pender. Scuie (pronounced Shoo-ey) means 'good and fast' in Italian and, in its young life, has earned a reputation for good food and fast service. The restaurant's popularity has spawned a sequel in one of the most coveted areas of the city, Yaletown. There's no need to worry about a watered down product all too typical of sequels (The Matrix Reloaded immediately springs to mind); measures have been taken to make everything as similar as possible to the original location.

The difference, of course, is the area, much more residential and therefore much more relaxed. This is the perfect place to settle down and relax. Take a seat on the cobblestone courtyard patio with an expertly made coffee and some fresh "Roman street food" and feel the stress melt away. This place is Italian as it gets. The two owners Alessandro Fonseca and Davide Bonamici, both Italian, run this place like it's their own home. Next time you're there, say hi to Fonseca; his friendly Italianness (yes, I'm coining the word) is infectious.

Of course, the reason people flock to Sciue isn't just for the atmosphere; it's all about the food. If it's breakfast you want, they have ciambella, little orange-spiked donuts, or breakfast buns filled with scrambled eggs, pancetta, and cheese. Is there anything better than brunch? You think so? Well come a little later for the panini. Or opt for some Pane Romano, a long and skinny pizza-like creation, made daily with fresh ingredients and brushed with Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Grab an expertly made espresso from Bonamici and you're all set.

Once the weather gets cold, head inside and cozy into one of the retro orange banquettes. Gobble up a gooey Italian doughnut while watching an Italian cooking show on satellite TV and listening to the hustle and bustle of a fast food Italian kitchen. You'll be happy you're the one being fed. Save yourself a trip to Rome and just eat at Sciue.